Academix's Blogs

Guest Bloggers Are Welcome

Add Blog

Google takes advantage of Irish tax law to cut its tax bill by billions

By: Academix Tax Planning Views: 9736 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

Google Inc. cut its taxes by $3.1-billion in the past three years using a technique that moves most of its foreign profits through Ireland and the Netherlands to Bermuda. Google's income shifting -- involving strategies known to lawyers as the "Double Irish" and the "Dutch Sandwich" -- helped reduce its overseas tax rate to 2.4%, the lowest of the top five U.S. Treasury Department. Ms. More

Knee Deep in Debt

By: Academix Personal Finance Views: 4261 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car?You’re not alone. Many people face a financial crisis some time in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. More

First time home buyers, Help for first time buyers

By: Academix Real Estate Views: 2130 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

For your convenience I have collected some basic information that can be helpful if you are thinking of buying your first home:• First and the most important is that you get pre-qualified for a loan. • Find out if you qualify for the first-time home buyer’s incentives. The U.S. You can fix a house, but not a neighborhood. More

Lower your moving expenses, Save time and money

By: Academix Real Estate Views: 2343 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

1. Plan ahead by organizing and budgeting. Develop a master “to do” list so you won’t forget something critical. 2. Sort and get rid of things you no longer want or need. Have a garage sale, donate to a charity, or recycle.3. But don’t throw out everything. If your inclination is to just toss it, you're probably right. That will eliminate regrets after the move.4. 9. 10. 11. 12. More

Termites, How to prevent termite damage/costs?

By: Academix Real Estate Views: 2765 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

The best way to avoid huge expenses and protect your home from termites is prevention. Here is what you can do: fill in all cracks in foundation walls no matter how small they are; repair or replace leaking faucets and pipes; check if the sprinkler system is hitting outside walls; do not attach planters to exterior walls. More

Have you over looked these 2006 tax deductions?

By: Academix Tax Planning Views: 2798 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

Telephone tax refund – This is a one-time refund and many taxpayers are not aware of its existence. Married couples, with no children, can receive a $40 refund. Those with one child can claim $50 & those with two, $60. If you kept your phone bills for the last three years and the telephone excise tax on your invoices exceeds these credits, you can apply the actual amount. More

Tips for saving on your car insurance

By: Academix Insurance Views: 4121 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

Recently I received an invoice from my car insurance company requesting a payment. At that time I realized that it was over 4 years since I requested current rate information. I started wondering if they have better rates now or whether some other company offers better pricing. The next step took some time. Good luck! More

Credit Card Traps

By: Academix Banking Views: 3844 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

One pitfall of credit cards is the cash advance. Most credit cards will issue you a Personal Identification Number (PIN) so that you can withdraw cash at any ATM, just like a debit or bank card. Although the convenience is great, so is the cost. Cash advances from credit cards rarely, if ever, have a repayment grace period. They only read the minimum payment due, and maybe the balance. More

Auto Insurance - What Factors Affect Rates?

By: Academix Insurance Views: 4022 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

Auto insurance companies use many factors when then calculate your premiums. Some of these factors are under your control, and some you are powerless to change. Learning about what these factors are can help you understand where your insurance premiums come from, and enable you to change some factors if necessary to save money. Because of this, insurance for these types of cars is high. More

Refinance Mortgage Potential Pitfalls

By: Academix Home Loans Views: 3122 | Comments: 0 | Votes: 0

Academix

There has been a lot of talk about mortgage refinancing over the last couple of years. One thing that you need to bear squarely in mind when considering doing this is that you must be prepared to pay your costs at closing. This is very similar to what happened when you initially purchased your home. Any money owing for this service will usually be paid at the point of settlement. More